Visiting Coron
Coron sits on Busuanga Island in the Philippines, at the northern tip of Palawan province. It shares its name with a nearby island inhabited by the Tagbanua indigenous people, who secured management rights for it back in 1998. Getting to Coron Island means booking an island-hopping trip on a traditional outrigger boat called a bangka, which takes you out to explore remote reefs and hidden lagoons. With inland turquoise lakes, sheer limestone cliffs, and coral-dense shorelines, Coron stands out as one of the most striking islands in the entire archipelago.
Exploring Coron Island
Coron Island holds a series of remarkable spots, starting with its inland lakes. Highlights include the shifting color gradients of the Green Lagoon, the hypnotic turquoise water of the Twin Lagoons, and Kayangan Lake, a postcard view tucked right between rocky peaks. Barracuda Lake offers something entirely different with its mix of fresh and saltwater layers. These transition zones, or thermoclines, create shifting water temperatures that climb all the way to 38° at the bottom while the surface stays around a warm 28°.
The surrounding waters are built for diving and snorkeling, particularly around Siete Pecados, a cluster of seven islets packed with dense coral reefs. Right from the town of Coron, you can also charter a boat out to see sunken World War II Japanese shipwrecks, such as the Skeleton Wreck.
Diving into Local Life in Coron
Coron has kept its distinct local character, and there is no shortage of things to do in and around town. Start by tackling the roughly 700 steps to the top of Mount Tapyas for panoramic views over the bay and neighboring islands. For a slice of daily life away from the crowds, head out to cool off at Concepcion Waterfalls or take a warm soak in the Maquinit hot springs, a favorite spot for local families. To round out your time on the island, check out Kingfisher Park for a sunset kayak tour through the mangroves, where you can watch the fireflies come out.
When to Go
The dry season running from January through April brings the lowest rainfall, making it the prime window for a trip to the Philippines.
How to Get There
Reaching Coron involves a few steps. Direct flights operate regularly from Manila to Busuanga Island. From the airport, you can grab a tricycle, a jeepney, or rent a scooter for the final transfer into Coron town. Ferries are another option, running from Manila or, much closer by, from El Nido.
It is an island near Palawan in the north of the Philippines.
Less well known than El Nido, and therefore less touristy.
For me, it is one of the best islands I have visited.
The people are kind, and there is no tourist fever yet.
For diving lovers, it is a little paradise: coral, Japanese shipwrecks...
The town of Coron is small but typical. Perfect for relaxing.
There is Mount Tapyas, and the sunrise from the top is exceptional.